Is La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 12, 2026
La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil
La Roche Posay
La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil receives a C grade for pregnancy safety. While it contains beneficial ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin, it includes fragrance (parfum) and sodium benzoate which warrant caution during pregnancy.
You can use this, but maybe don't make it your everyday go to. Not the end of the world if you've used it. Consult your OBGYN or midwife if you have concerns.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
What Ingredients Are in La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil?
La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil has 15 ingredients. We flagged 2 ingredients to use with caution.
parfum fragrance
CAUTION
Parfum fragrance is a mixture of aromatic chemicals in scented products. Undisclosed fragrance blend that may contain phthalates; use with caution during pregnancy and consider fragrance free alternatives.
sodium benzoate
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Generally safe in small amounts, but minimize exposure during pregnancy as it may form benzene when combined with vitamin C.
aqua water
SAFE
Aqua, or water, is a clear, colorless, and essential liquid that serves as the primary solvent in many cosmetic and skincare formulations. The universal solvent and base for most skincare products; completely safe during pregnancy.
citric acid
SAFE
Citric acid is a natural organic acid commonly used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in food and beverages. A natural preservative found in citrus fruits; safe during pregnancy.
coco betaine
SAFE
A gentle coconut derived surfactant that creates mild foam; safe for use during pregnancy.
glycerin
SAFE
Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, and sweet tasting humectant commonly used in skincare products to attract and retain moisture in the skin. A gentle humectant that is safe and commonly used during pregnancy.
niacinamide
SAFE
Niacinamide is a versatile skincare ingredient known for its ability to improve skin elasticity, enhance the barrier function, and reduce the appearance of blemishes and uneven skin tone. A form of vitamin B3 that supports energy metabolism; safe and beneficial during pregnancy.
peg 75 shea butter glycerides
SAFE
A modified shea butter that helps moisturize and emulsify; considered safe for topical use during pregnancy.
polysorbate 20
SAFE
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water soluble emulsifier commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products to blend oil and water based ingredients. A mild emulsifier used to blend ingredients; safe for topical application during pregnancy.
ppg 5 ceteth 20
SAFE
An emulsifying agent that helps mix oil and water; safe for external use during pregnancy.
sodium chloride
SAFE
Sodium chloride is a common mineral known as table salt, used to enhance the flavor of food and as a preservative. Common salt used as a thickener; completely safe for topical use during pregnancy.
sodium hydroxide
SAFE
Sodium hydroxide is a highly caustic, white, solid compound commonly used as a strong base in cleaning, manufacturing, and chemical processes. Used as a pH adjuster in small amounts; safe in finished cosmetic products.
sodium laureth sulfate
SAFE
Sodium laureth sulfate is a common surfactant and foaming agent used in shampoos and cleansers to create lather and remove oils and dirt. A common cleansing surfactant; safe for topical use during pregnancy when rinsed off.
sucrose
SAFE
Sucrose is a common disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, widely used as a sweetener in foods and beverages. Simple sugar used as a humectant; completely safe during pregnancy.
vitreoscilla ferment
SAFE
Vitreoscilla ferment is a natural fermentation extract derived from the bacterium Vitreoscilla, known for its skin soothing and antioxidant properties in cosmetic formulations. A probiotic derived ingredient that soothes skin; safe for use during pregnancy.
Answering Your Questions
How much La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil is safe during pregnancy?
Use a small amount (about a quarter sized dollop) to cleanse the body. A little goes a long way with this foaming oil formula, so start with less and add more if needed.
Can you use La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil daily while pregnant?
Safe for daily use during bathing or showering. Once daily is typically sufficient for most skin types, though those with very dry skin may use it twice daily.
Is La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ safe while breastfeeding?
Yes, La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil is generally safe to use while breastfeeding. The ingredients are applied topically and minimal amounts are absorbed into the bloodstream. However, avoid applying directly to the breast area before nursing.
What are pregnancy safe alternatives to La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+?
For a fragrance free alternative, consider CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash or Vanicream Gentle Body Wash. La Roche Posay's Toleriane line also offers fragrance free options that score higher for pregnancy safety.
Why does La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ get a C grade?
The C grade is due to two caution level ingredients: parfum (fragrance), which may contain phthalates linked to developmental concerns, and sodium benzoate, a preservative that can form benzene when combined with vitamin C. The majority of ingredients are safe, but these warrant awareness during pregnancy.
Is La Roche Posay Lipikar safe during pregnancy?
La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil receives a C grade, meaning it's usable but contains ingredients requiring caution. The fragrance free Lipikar Baume AP+ is a safer choice during pregnancy as it eliminates the parfum concern.
Which La Roche Posay cleanser is safe for pregnancy?
La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is widely recommended as pregnancy safe due to its fragrance free, minimal ingredient formula. It's a better choice than products containing parfum or fragrance.
Which skincare ingredients should I avoid during pregnancy?
Avoid retinoids (retinol, tretinoin), high dose salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone. Also be cautious with products containing undisclosed fragrance, as they may contain phthalates.
Is it safe to use body wash with fragrance while pregnant?
Fragrance in body washes is a caution level concern during pregnancy. While occasional use is unlikely to cause harm, fragrance can contain phthalates which have been linked to developmental effects. Fragrance free alternatives are the safest choice.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil?
Here are some solid alternatives. Everything below has an A or B grade, meaning no flagged ingredients in our database.
| Grade | Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Dermasil Labs /Moisturizing Body Wash | — | body wash |
| A | Aloe Scented Body Wash, Mild & Gentle - Super C | Super C | body wash |
| A | Manuka Honey & Oatmeal Smooth & Exfoliating Body Wash | Sheamoisture | body wash |
| A | Dove Invigorate Body Wash - Aloe & Eucalyptus Oil 24Hr Lotion-Soft Skin - 20 Fl Oz | Dove Beauty | body wash |
Are Other La Roche Posay Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 11 other La Roche Posay products. 1 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 10 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| B+ | La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser | facial cleanser |
| C | Cicaplast Baume B5+ | skin care ointment |
| C | Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum | serum |
| C- | Effaclar Duo Dual Action Bpo Acne Cleanser | facial cleanser |
How Does La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil Compare to Other Body Washes?
We graded 557 Body Washes for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Cleansing Oil earns a C grade, placing it among the majority of Body Washes. Only 1% of products in this category get an A grade, so it pays to choose carefully.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
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References
- https://sensoriam.com/blogs/blog/can you wear perfume while pregnant
- https://www.thebump.com/a/perfume safe during pregnancy
- https://www.babymed.com/perfume during pregnancy
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- https://bastilleparfums.com/en us/blogs/news/parfum et grossesse un danger pour les femmes enceintes
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9163252/
- https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy pregnancy/is it safe/perfume and pregnancy/
- https://oneseedperfumes.com/blogs/news/perfume and pregnancy why exposure to scent is critial to consider
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- https://tangieco.com/blog/dangers of synthetic fragrance and-6-studies to back it up/
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2794076
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